Chasing down a job

[Black Plauge]

After the day of rest, the party looks to resume their traveling, trying to catch up with the caravan that the Manead who was looking for help is supposedly traveling with. Having lost nearly a day and a half worth of travel thanks to the incidents with Meat, it will take them a few extra days to catch the caravan. Having been in the region before, Soltlak figures that the caravan, if being run by kobolds, is headed for their starside most trading outposts, and while he's never been anywhere near the Manead homeland, its his understanding that the region is much further starside, almost to the frozen sea according to some.

Once the get back on the road, its clear that the day of rest and the healing spells have done Meat some good. He's still a bit jittery, but he seems to be travelling well, and doesn't fight them when they have to make their first ford a mere saat into the day's travel.

It would seem, however, that Obad-Hai does not smile on our little group this morning. They've only been on the move for a couple of saat when Manweh'mato spots a something making their way through the tall grasses on the side of the road. Or rather a group of somethings. He can't make out any details, but they appear to be moving towards the road, and are making some attempt to be stealthy about it. What ever they are, they appear to be about 1800 ft away, ahead of them and off to the right side of the road. They aren't moving very fast, however, and that makes it harder to pick out exactly how many of them they are.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Trying to look very casual about it, Manweh'mato warns his comrades about the possible threat ahead in the tall grass next to the road. He also asks them what they think we should do before we are too close to the possible ambush. He keeps his eye on the location of what he saw this whole time trying to get more information to help out their situation.

[Vaniver]

Soltlak looks at the grass, trying to distinguish between the grass blown by wind and glass pushed aside by whatever was walking. Stupid grasslands. He shrugs. "We'll find out when we get closer. If they want a fight, I will be ready."

[My Fellow Gamers]

Well, that is not a bad idea at all. I will be ready too.

Taking note of the comment by Soltlak, Manweh'mato grabs his bow in his hand opposite of where the creatures in the tall grass are. He also can't help but give a quick glance over on Meat and wonder how the poor horse will bear another fight if it comes down to it.

[Black Plauge]

Drawing weapons in case whatever Manweh'mato spotted turns out to be hostile, the party continues on at the same pace, keeping an eye out for more details about what Manweh'mato saw.

As they continue along the road, the objects in the grass continue along their path towards the road, showing now signs by their movement that they've seen the party. But then, the party's own movement doesn't reveal that they have seen what's in the grass, so that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

While he still can't make out any details, Manweh'mato nevertheless spends most of his time concentrating on the movement, keeping an eye on it. Its not until Soltlak finally indicates that he too can see the movement in the grass about half a dakika later when Manweh'mato finally spares a look around, only to spot another patch of movement in the grass, about 300 ft behind the first. This patch is bit bigger, probably involving more creatures, but as with the first, Manweh'mato can't make out any details to be sure at this distance.

Recalculating distances, Manweh'mato and Soltlak would put the first movement they spotted at about 1200 ft at this point, and the second group closer to 1500 ft. Both are headed towards the road, though at their current speed, they'll reach the road, long after the party goes by.

[Vaniver]

Soltlak looks at the movement uneasily. "Think that it's the caravan?" he asks Manweh'mato, tapping a scaly finger on the side of the wagon.

[My Fellow Gamers]

" I do not think this is the caravan. First, my guess is that they would be using the road and I never saw their trail really leave it. Second, the distances are wrong and so is the time according to our information back in town. Maybe if they took a long break it could be them but that is very unlikely. Third, if it was a caravan, I think we would see wagons or pullcarts and many horses or ponies, and we don't.

I have to say that I am quite intrigued by this however. That second patch over there....do you see it?? It could be a predator or hunter stalking a prey. If I had to venture a guess, I would say we are seeing nature at it's best. "


Not worried so much anymore about the moving grass, Manweh'mato however still tries to see more details to find out if his simple guess is right.

[Jop]

Hmmm... I better make sure that Meat remains calm and out of the way if anything were to happen... Soltlak wouldn't take kindly to having to wait around again because of Meat...

Skasa slowly rides closer to Meat and strokes his underbelly as we walks by him, trying to establish a connection with him, to ensure his attention remains focused on his immediate surroundings.

[Black Plauge]

Riding as they do, the party keeps an eye on what they believe to be a predator stalking its prey. It doesn't take long, however, for Manweh'mato's trained hunter's eye to realize that something is amiss. The "predator" isn't gaining at all on the "prey", which is no way to conduct a proper hunt, especially for an animal that has to sink its teeth or claws into its target to make the kill. Puzzled by this unusual occurance, Manweh'mato sits up a little straighter in his saddle and studies the spots a little more. Its then that he realizes that each spot is not one creature, but actually a group of creatures. The first looks to be a group of 4, one larger and three smaller, while the second is a group of six, all smaller. He's still to far, however to make out what they are.

[My Fellow Gamers]

" My guess is completely wrong. We are dealing with intelligent creatures most likely and not animals. There is ten of them in total, for sure that I saw and one of them is quite larger than the others. Do not look for it but be ready for possible trouble..."

He says this in both lmother languages for the party members to make sure they get all the information that his eyes can provide at this time.

I hate chance meetings like this, it is always the same old question : Friend or Foe? What will it be this time.....

[Jop]

"Brother, sending Wambli up to the skies could get a reaction out of these creatures which could maybe give us a better idea of what they are..."

I really don't like this... I'm getting a little nervous...

[My Fellow Gamers]

" I am unsure if they know we are here yet and I want to keep it that way as long as possible. It is easier to flee if we have the element of surprise. Keep Wambli close as we may need him but not yet. "

If only I could see more, we wouldn't be in this situation, I wish I could fly right now!

[Black Plauge]

The ikinci fly by and the uncertianty about what their dealing with make the next dakika and a half seem like a büyüksene. Finally, Manweh'mato catches more than a glimpse of the closer group through the grass. Its a band of kobolds. Three walking and one mounted on a large lizard. Each carries something long and slender in its hands, but at this distance, they could be anything from swords to walking sticks.

After studying the kobolds movements for a ikinci, it seems obvious to Manweh'mato that they are moving in such a way as to minimze the chance that they will be seen. The lizard, however, is much more casual about its movements.

[Jop]

"What do you see brother?"

I try and see what he see's...

[Black Plauge]

Try as he might, Skasa is still unable to see even the movement in the grass that would indicate something was there.

[Vaniver]

Soltlak stares at the grass aimlessly, then spits onto the side of the road. Lousy grass. "What is it?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

" They are a group of Kobolds and one is mounted on a giant lizard. I want to ask them information about the Manead we are trying to catch up. Let's slow down a bit and wait for them to cross the road. Try and look friendly but be ready. "

Manweh'mato makes Katonka slow down and he stands a little bit in the saddle. He also puts his bow away.

Hope I am not making a huge mistake here.......

[Jop]

I too slow down, staying next to Meat to be ready in case he gets too excited...

[Vaniver]

"Kobolds?" Soltlak asks eagerly. "I like kobolds. And they'll probably reward us if we save them from something, too."

[My Fellow Gamers]

" I have no idea from what we could save them but they are travelling like they don't want to be seen. That leads me to believe they are not hostile. Let's go and talk to them to find out more if possible. Would you like to do the talking Soltlak? "

[Vaniver]

"Sure". Soltlak looks around, confused. "Where are they?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

" They will cross the road coming out of the grass right around there."

Pointing to where Manweh'mato thinks the kobolds will walk out in the open space of the road.

[Vaniver]

Soltlak nods, grinning, and sets out for where the kobolds will emerge.

[Jop]

I follow Manweh'mato, depending on where he goes.

[Black Plauge]

As the party slows down, it becomes clear that the kobolds know they are there, as they almost immediately stop. Manweh'mato can see them looking at each other, possibly discussing what to do next. Though at this distance, that's more of a guess than anything else. They seem to reach a decision rather quickly though, as they resume moving at the same rate and speed within a few ikinci.

Checking on the group following them, Manweh'mato notes that they don't suffer from the same indecision, and have now gained slightly on the lead group.

Riding on Meat, Soltlak finds it easy to move ahead faster than Manweh'mato and Skasa. Being larger, Meat was already faster then either Katonka or Skasa's riding dog, and with Manweh'mato and Skasa slowing down slightly, the speed difference is only more pronounced.

As a result, Soltlak is already about 80 feet ahead less than a quarter dakika later when Manweh'mato notices a third group, this one far closer to the road than the other two. A quick study reveals the group to contain 3 small figures and 1 medium size one. The medium size one, is shaped a little oddly however, and after staring at it for a second, Manweh'mato concludes that its actually a 4th small figure astride a mount of some kind.

[My Fellow Gamers]

" Soltlak! , there is a third group much closer to the road. Be careful! "

Manweh'mato looks at Skasa and sighs : " Let's catch up with him in case there is trouble. I just saw a third group much closer. "

[Jop]

"Ok."
And Skasa follows Manweh'mato

[Black Plauge]

Spurring their mounts forward to catch up with Soltlak, the two halflings catch up with him just as he's pulling up to a stop at the point where Manweh'mato indicated that the groups would cross the road.

After about a dakika, a group of kobolds, of the exact same composition as the one further back, emerges from the grass.

Seeing the party waiting for them, the kobolds are suprised for a moment and the ones on the ground look to the mounted one for guidance. He seems more in control of himself, however, and acts as if this is what he was expecting.

"This is our road!" the one on the monitor lizard exclaims, "You need to pay a toll to pass!"

[Jop]

Skasa looks at his brother with a confused look on his face.

[Vaniver]

"A toll?" Soltlak looks at the halflings, then back at the kobolds. "I suppose, sera. But could you answer a few questions first?"

[Jop]

"What are they saying brother? Who's got questions?"

-Questions- being the only word Skasa kind of understood...

[Black Plauge]

"Questions?"

Whatever response the lead kobold had been expecting, its apparent that Soltlak's response wasn't it.

"I suppose so... What kind of questions?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

" SSssh. Let Soltlak talk while I assess the situation."

[Vaniver]

Soltlak smiles, flaunting his teeth before he continues. "We've been looking for a manead who was traveling with a caravan, headed this direction. Have you seen anyone like that recently?" He turns to Manweh and speaks quickly, "He was a manead, right?" then turns back to the kobold.

[Black Plauge]

"Ma-ne-ad?" the kobold replies, obviously unfamiliar with the word, "What is a ma-ne-ad?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

" I believe he was altough I wasn't paying much attention."

[Vaniver]

Soltlak looks around, unsure of what to do. "Well," he began, "It's sort of like a human. Did a caravan pass through here recently, within a few days?"

[Black Plauge]

"Hu-man?" the kobold replies, Soltlak's description obviously doing nothing to illuminate the kobold's confusion.

"Enough questions. You pay toll or we'll take it from you."

[My Fellow Gamers]

" Brother, get ready. I have assessed the situation and it doesn't look good. How much of the metal coins do you still have from your pay on the ship? These Kobolds want some of it to let us use the road....can you believe that?"Manweh'mato turns to the Kobold who asked for payment and defiantly with a snicker asks him: " So I was wondering, how much will it cost the three of us to use your magnificent road?"

[Jop]

"Uh... (from memory...) I got about 40-50 golden pieces and maybe a dozen of the shinier ones. Should I be getting ready to fight now?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

" If he is ridiculous in his demands, yes we may have to show them we can fight. Do not kill them if you don't have to and remember the two other groups that are coming."

[Black Plauge]

"2 gold a foot," the kobold replies, returning Manweh'mato's snicker with a sneer.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Doing a quick addition in his head Manweh'mato decides he really doesn't like that pushy Kobold.

Two gold would be too much for all of us you little scrany half dog lizard. Two gold a foot over Father's ashes and then some.....

" And if we refuse? That is more coin than all of us are carrying right now. He are looking for a job."

[Black Plauge]

"You expect me to believe that a group rich enough to afford mounts for everybody isn't rich enough to pay a toll?" the kobold questions.

[My Fellow Gamers]

" But....that horse won't even cross rivers...nevermind. You haven't answered my question first. What happens if we refuse to pay? "

[Jop]

I don't like the look on everyone's face... I'm not taking any chances here.

Skasa puts his hand on his brother's shoulder while mumbling a few words (Cast Cat's Grace spell on Manweh'mato - 4hrs duration).

"Here you go brother... I have a feeling we're going to need this..."

[Vaniver]

Soltlak looks at the halflings, annoyed. "We can afford the toll. It's only..." The lizardman looks around, counting the number of feet on his fingers. After some time, he continues, "Ten and eight." He furrows his brow, thinking for a moment, then looks back at the kobold. "That's a bit high. How about 10 gold for all of us?"

[Black Plauge]

"I'm not nearly so thick as you, my scaly friend," the kobold replies, "That's less than half of what I asked for. Now either pay in gold, or we'll take that pony instead."

[My Fellow Gamers]

I hate money and what it turns poeple into. We would never charge anybody for a walk in our forest.....

" There is no way you are getting my pony. Will you accept ten gold or not?"

Manweh'mato once again expects the worst and has a hand on his bow.

[Black Plauge]

"And then some," the kobold replies, grinning at his own joke.

Seeing Manweh'mato's hand go to his bow, one of the kobolds on the ground unslings a horn from his shoulder and holds it so that all he'd have to do to sound it is put it to his lips and blow. The other two, meanwhile grab the hilts of their swords and eye Manweh'mato suspiciously.

[Jop]

Seeing the kobold's actions...
With a very worried look on his face...

"Broth-er? What's going on?"

[Vaniver]

Soltlak bristles, then turns to Manwehmato. "I'm rapidly losing my respect for them, but I think not getting into a fight with them is worth the... eight gold." He reaches into his pouch and slowly counts out the coins, stopping after twelve and haivng to start over. He finally holds out the pile of coins, glaring at the kobold.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Manweh'mato lets go of his bow in an attempt to diffuse the situation and sighs. He simply cannot believe the ridiculous request that kobold makes.

" Soltlak, for the love of Obad-hai, please do not give him gold. Reason with him because I cannot. I do not understand enough about money apparently for what that little brat is asking is beyond this realm for me. "

Manweh'mato looks straight at the kobold he has been talking to as he says the last sentence. He is on the lookout for any sudden move on his part too.

Relax. Father always said talking is better than fighting. This is hard Father, for all I want to do right now is smash my mace right in his snickering face.

[Black Plauge]

Greedily taking the gold from Soltlak, the Kobold glances quickly at it before snarling back, "Are you really that dumb, belly-crawler, or do you think me daft? I said 2 gold per foot, not 1."

[OOC: "Belly-crawler" in draconic, is used as a derogitory statement towards other reptilian humanoids. It compares them to unintelligent lizards, who all move about on 4 legs rather than 2 like other the intelligent reptilian humanoids.]

[My Fellow Gamers]

" Take that insult back right now!! We might be in strange lands for us, but you are mean and rude and I REALLY dislike those two things. You are really pushing your luck right now asking for these petty metal coins. "

" Brother, get ready..."

[Vaniver]

Soltlak grins ferally at the kobold, teeth bared, then punches him in the face. "My patience was limited," he snarls as he continues the attack.

((Unarmed attack for subdual damage, if Soltlak can do a full attack he will follow up with another unarmed attack (subdual) and a bite attack (normal damage). +4 for 1d6+3 if just one attack, +2 1d6+3 / +2 1d6+3 / -3 1d4+1 if full attack. If the kobold drops after an attack, Soltlak will attempt to attack another kobold, preferably the one with the horn.))

[Black Plauge]

Trying to catch the kobolds off guard, Soltlak winds up to take a swing at their leader. Unfortunately the kobolds are far more weary than they have let on (that, or Soltlak's intent was just that obvious) and react before Soltlak has time to deliver the blow.

Immediately the kobold on the right draws his weapon, but well dicipline, he awaits orders before attacking.

The kobold with the horn, however, seems to have no such need and sounds a long loud note.

"Attack!" the mounted kobold shouts when he sees his underlings hesitate. Then putting actions to words, he directs his mount to do the same, unfortunately the sudden lurch of the monitor lizard as it moves to follow that order throws him off balance and he is unable to follow his own order.

Thinking fast, Manweh'mato draws his bow and fires at the kobold with the horn. His arrow, however, only grazes the kobold's shoulder and is a split second too late stop him from sounding it.

Following its rider's orders, the monitor lizard rears up and snaps at Soltlak's leg, its teeth raking stratches through the lizardman's scales.

No longer hesitating, the kobold on the right moves steps to the side of Soltlak and attacks. Soltlak's training, however, pays off and he deftly dodges the blow.

Hoping to catch the reinforcements unawares, Skasa casts entangle on the grass next to the road, setting a trap for them. If he's lucky, they won't notice it until their already stuck in the now writhing grass.

Dizzy with the action around him, Soltlak, who's wind up started the combat around him, finally gets his own strikes in. In his haste, however, he's only able to land a single blow. That blow, however, does a good job of ringing the mounted kobold's bell.

Finally realizing what's happening, the kobold on the left draws his own sword and steps to set up a flanking position with the one on the right of Soltlak. Even so, Soltlak is able to dodge his blow with the ease that years of training have taught him.

[Black Plauge]

Even distracted by the battle, the reaction of the distant groups to the sound of the horn is obvious to everyone, they're clearly picking up speed and moving directly towards them.

Satisfied that his call was heard, the horn blower drops his horn and moves in to pester Manweh'mato while at the same time hoping to make spellcasting difficult for Skasa. He's so worried about position though, that he's unable to land a solid blow on Manweh'mato.

The kobold on the right, moves to place Soltlak between him and his partner, but even so, is unable to find his way past Soltlak's training.

Still having difficulty maintaining his seat, the lead kobold is able to direct his monitor lizard to attack Soltlak, but is unable to attack himself. This time, however, the lizard's teeth are unable to penetrate Soltlak's scaly hide.

Moving for position, Skasa directs Wambli to attack and gets ready himself.

Soltlak hisses angrily. You let one through, he thinks as he spins to strike, you're too slow. He rocks to the side, one of the kobold's thrusts whooshing past him. Get quicker. His mental pep-talk has the desired effect though, as the kobold with the horn takes one square on the jaw and slumps to the ground unconcious.

Seeing an opening, the kobold to Soltlak's left strikes at the lizardman's back while he's dealing with the other kobold. Unfortunately, Soltlak's scales are just a bit harder than he'd realized and the blow skitters off to one side harmlessly.

His partner, however, is far luckier and manages to run a gash along the Soltalk's ribs. Wincing in pain, Soltlak can feel his rib beneath shift under the force of the blow.

Trying to further even the odds, Manweh'mato fires two arrows at the kobold who just hurt Soltlak. In his haste, however, both arrows fly wide and into the grass.

Grinning evily as he sees the pain on Soltlak's face the lead kobold moves to finish the lizardman off himself but gets over eager and swings wide.

Following Skasa's orders, Wambli swoops in on the closest kobold, who swats at the pesky hawk in reply. Neither the swat, nor Wambli's attack is able to connect, however.

Seeing his friend in trouble, Skasa leans over and lets the healing magic of Odab-Hai flow through him into Soltlak. Immediately the lizardman feels better as his ribs shift back into place.

The force of the blow forces Soltlak down onto a knee, a sickening crack resounding from his chest. Get up, damn it! he silently screams at himself, his lung struggling in vain to inflate. He dodges another kobold's attack, his steely control blotting out the pain. Then, his rib resets itself with Skasa's healing touch and he springs upward, channeling his fury into a ball of violence, lashing out at the kobolds. The pain, however brief it was, is enough of a distractor, however, that he's only to land one good hit and even then the kobold stays standing.

Ignoring the flapping bird in front of him, the kobold on the left concentrates on the most dangerous target, Soltlak, but is unable to find any place to stick his sword.

[Black Plauge]

Rushing towards the on going combat, the kobolds in the distance continue to close the distance.

Meanwhile, the kobolds once again gang up on Soltlak, who the clearly precieve to be the greatest threat, and manage to take him out again. Not even Manweh'mato's continued rain of arrows seems to distract them.

Soltlak slumps over, barely staying on top of Meat, as the lizard's attack pushes him past the point of endurance.

Then his eyes open with Skasa's touch, one nearly blinded by blood. He forces himself upward, one hand wiping away the blood as another lashes out. You can't take this much longer, he thinks as he whips around, dodging and dealing blows, which is all the more reason to finish it quickly. In his weakened state, however, he's unable to do anything more than flail about wildly.

Realizing the effect that Skasa's magic is having on the battle, the kobold closest to him switches his focus, allowing his allies to handle Soltlak while he concentrates on preventing Skasa from reviving Soltlak again should they succeed in taking him down. The flapping of Wambli's wings in his face distract him however and he can't find flesh to stick his shortsword into.

[Black Plauge]

As the distant kobolds continue to close the battle shifts in favor of the party. The kobolds are unable to put Soltlak down again, and Manweh'mato is able to eliminate another of their immediate opponents.


"Skasa, if he goes down again, it's Obad-Hai's powers time....."

"Brother! I've been asking Obad-Hai for health... and I'm running out of favors!!!

"Fall back! Regroup!" the lead kobold exclaims, directing his mount around Skasa's field of living vegitation.

The order is given too late, however, as freed from the burden of healing Soltlak (and being unconcious), Skasa and Soltlak, with Wambli's help, are able to take down the last remaining kobold.

"I can try and stop him from here if you think it's wise..." Skasa comments, as the battle ends.

Soltlak, however, has different ideas and he directs Meat to move away from the scene of the battle. Clearly he wasn't about to wait for the reinforcements to arrive.

[Black Plauge]

"I got the rear. Ride hard and fast Skasa," Manweh'mato says, as he rides into position to fire an arrow at the retreating kobold. The arrow manages to strike the kobold solidly, but it catches in his armor, merely stunning the kobold, rather than killing him, as he continues to ride away.

"Are we leaving already??? I thought you said... And I was just starting to have fun!" Skasa replies. Putting away his spear and getting back on his riding dog, Skasa follows after Soltlak and Manweh'mato.

"Come on Wambli..."

Seeing he's outdistance the halflings, Soltlak looks back, watching the halflings catch up. He briefly considers waving them on, but they look rushed enough.

[Black Plauge]

As the new kobolds continue to close, the first one to arrive fails to notice the entangle spell that Skasa cast earlier and charges straight in. Once in the middle of it, the vegitation reaches out and grabs him, pinning him in place.

The next kobold, however, sees the vegitation and shouts a warning as he detours around it.

Firing off two more arrows, Manweh'mato is glad to see that at least one finds its mark, causing the fleeing kobold to slump in his saddle.

At the same time, however, another kobold makes its way around the entangle spell, heeding the warning of his companion.

"I thought we were leaving?" Skasa calls out to his brother.

"We are," Manweh'mato replies, turning in his saddle.

Electing to slow pursuit further, Skasa casts soften earth and stone on the strip of ground above the entangle spell before moving to catch up with Soltlak.

Meanwhile, Soltlak watched the halflings impatiently. "Us go!" as the new mounted kobold comes up along side the kobold that Manweh'mato took out, he pulls out a wand, and revives his compatriot.

[Black Plauge]

Trying to take advantage of his natural quickness, the kobold stuck in the entagle spell attempts to slip from the vegitation's grasp, but the grasses hold on tight and he gets no where.

The kobold who originally noticed the entangle spell, now detours around it, heading towards Manweh'mato. Unfortunately, in his haste, he fails to notice the mud that Skasa has so recently created and finds himself hopelessly mired.

Satisfied with his final shots, Manweh'mato kicks Katonka into a run, and Skasa and Soltalk fall in beside him as he passes. As a result, their backs are turned when the second mounted kobold uses a wand to revive the kobold Manweh'mato just took down, but glances over their shoulder as they run reveal the magic's effect.

Fortunately, the kobolds don't seem to have any bows or other ranged weapons, as now arrows rain down on the retreating threesome, and their mounts soon leave the kobolds, who are mostly unmounted, far behind.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Those metal coins are just trouble all the time....and now we will have an angry bunch of rude lizards on our tail for a while. Better be on my toes for a while....

Manweh'mato says first in deepling for Skasa and then in draconic for Soltlak: " We ride until sundown or until we cannot endure this pace anymore. I want a big distance between us and that group. "

When he has a second to do so, Manweh'mato reaches into his pack and hands a potion to Soltlak without a word.

[Vaniver]

Soltlak accepts the potion, looking at the shining water within its glass depths. Pretty. He nods at Manweh, smiling slightly with red-rimmed teeth, then gulps it down, sighing happily as his wounds recede.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Manweh'mato leads the group at a very rapid pace stopping only momentarily for possible obvious ambush terrain but otherwise urges his companions and their mounts ever forward with great haste. If someone asks for a break for food, Manweh'amto refuses and will keep going. By nightfall, he hopes to leave the numerous Kobolds far behind.

[Jop]

Skasa follows looking back once in a while... He makes sure that Wambli stays perched on his shoulder as to not give up their position with him flying high.

[Black Plauge]

Luck, it would seem, is with the party as they push hard the rest of the day. There is no sign of the kobolds following them, nor do they encounter anyone else for the rest of the day. As they go, the vegitation around the party changes slightly. Where it had once been dominated by water loving plants and trees, it was now more like the forests that Manweh'mato and Skasa had grown up in. The species of trees were slightly different, but it was clear that they had finally made it out of the river delta area that surrounded Kikötõ.

By the time Io sets, however, the group is worn out and their mounts exhausted. A solid night's rest is obviously in order. Given the change in vegitation, finding a campsite was relatively easy, as the ground was not nearly so soggy here as it had been in the river delta.

[Jop]

"Soltak... I heal again little for you before sleep?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

Manweh'mato walks around the campsite a little bit to get to know his immediate surroundings.

[Black Plauge]

The clearing the party has elected to camp in seems to be full of trees that are much younger and more thinly spaced than the ones in the forest around it, as if some great catastrophe had damaged the forest here long ago. Other than that, though, the signs of the catastrophe are long since erased by the passage of time.

[OOC: See the combat thread for a map of the area.]

[My Fellow Gamers]

Manweh'mato states to his companions that he wants to take the second part of the watch. That is the most likely time for someone who pursued them to catch up and he wants to be awake in case.

[Jop]

"All right. I'll take first watch then."

[My Fellow Gamers]

Satisfied with his brother's answer, Manweh'mato drops his pack and uses it for a pillow for his head. He tries to get some sleep right away.

[Vaniver]

Soltlak dismounts and surveys the surroundings. "I will watch before the dawn, then," he says as he lays out on the ground, used to the comfort of grass and hard dirt.

[Black Plauge]

The night passes without incident. Well, okay, that's not entirely true. During Manweh'mato's watch something did fly overhead headed starside, but it was so high up that he couldn't really make out any details as to what it was and it didn't stop, so you could say that the incident was only incidental.

As the group gets underway the next morning, their mounts complain a bit, as they are still tired from yesterday's push. Meat especially makes a stubborn stand about not wanting to go, seeing as he hasn't completely recovered from the encounter with the crocodile, but Skasa is able to convince him with a few gentle words and alot of patience.

Unable to push their mounts very hard, the group nevertheless makes decent time, much better time than if they had been walking, and the road presents few obstacles. Around midday they encounter a trading caravan (really just a wagon full of sealed pottery and driven by two kobolds with a hornless minotaur walking behind) heading towards Kikötõ. The two groups stop to trade plesantries over their midday rations, and the party is able to find out that they are almost caught up to the caravan. In fact, they should catch them that evening, about the same time they reach Bivio and the fork in the road. The kobolds, for their part, seem unconcerned about the raiding party that the halflings and lizardfolk encountered yesterday. They assure the party that their minotaur is more than capable of handling them if they decide to make trouble, but that they will keep their eyes peeled nonetheless.

After saying good bye to the fellow travelers, the party mounts up again and continues on their way. Again, Meat protests a bit, but he seems to have gotten used to the idea of traveling while injured and tired and it takes far less time for Skasa to convince him to move this time.

As Io begins to set and the perpetual twilight of Pelor starts to take over, the party sees a walled town up ahead. As they approach, its apparent that the gates are closed, but a sentry stationed on the gate calls down from above once they are in ear shot.

"You'll have to wait a bit before we can let you in. The captian is still busy checking over the merchant caravan that just got here and assessing their taxes."

[My Fellow Gamers]

" We will wait. Will it be very long? Also, any good Inns or taverns in town? "

Manweh'mato chats for a while with the guard to find out basic information about this town. ((gather info check attempt))

[Black Plauge]

"It shouldn't be too long. Maybe half a saat at the longest," the guard replies before returning his attention to what is going on inside the wall, where the party can hear two men discussing something.


[OOC: Gather Information 3-1=2 vs. DC 10. Fails. Manweh'mato fails to learn anything about the town. Manweh'mato Listen 1+11=12, Skasa Listen 1+7=8, Soltlak Listen 8+3=11 vs. DC 5. Everyone succeeds and can make out that two people are talking on the other side of the gate, but cannot discern what is being said.]

***

"Sara, Siad," their maenad employer says, calling the two over as the guard captian and the caravan leader move on to the next wagon in the train. "Gemma has informed me that she plans to remain here for two nights, so that she can use tomorrow to trade some of the goods she got in Kikötõ for goods that have come up from the gnoll lands recently. It would seem that she timed things just right and a caravan from the gnoll lands arrived earlier today. Since you are in my employ, I will pay for basic room and board, but any amenities or drinks are up to you. Gemma recomended an inn which caters to us larger folk, and the captian has given us permission to go. I'll warn you now, do not attempt to sell anything here in Bivio. The kobolds take their trade taxes very seriously and the captian was kind enough not to inventory your supplies after I assured him that we were only traveling with the caravan, not trading."

[Aethyc]

"Very well. I did not bring anything to trade and am set for supplies and goods; I will take your warning about trading with these kobolds. I'm assuming I won't need to watch my pockets like in Kikötõ"

[Black Plauge]

"No, your pockets should be relatively safe. Bivio is a smaller town than Kikötõ and less prone to open theft. I wouldn't leave any coins unattended, but the chances of a cut purse relieving you of your coin is relatively small."

[Vaniver]

Soltlak looked around slowly. Bluh. A town. From Soltlak's experiences with towns, they were noisy, loud, deafening, tumultuous, and even cacophonous. They looked bad too, but he had never asked Anselmo about other words that meant ugly. The traveling had been good to him, except for their scuffle with the kobolds, and to join the teeming throng of life again left him jittery. Just imagine your claws in soothing muck, he thought.

[Jop]

Skasa looks up at Soltak... and kinda figures out what he's thinking from his body language...
"Yeah. Me too big guy..."

[Black Plauge]

The wait doesn't last nearly as long as the sentry had predicted and fairly soon the two halflings and the lizardman find the gate in front of them opening to reveal a kobold dressed in well polished half-plate, holding a writting board.

"Welcome to Bivio. What buisness do you have here?"

***

Following the maenad's lead away from the gate, Sara and Siad soon find themselves in a small, but well cared for inn. Or rather, it would be considered small by human standards. Its actually one of the larger buildings in town, though that's probably because many of the buildings don't look like they're built to accomodate anything larger than a kobold. It would seem that Bivio's population is fairly homogeneous. Sure, there are signs of larger creatures about, with what probably qualifies as vaulted ceilings on the first floor of some of the obviously more public use buildings, but almost all of the buildings that seem residential are built exclusively to kobold size, giving the impression of a town built to half scale in places.

"Women are on the right of the second floor, men are on the left as you come up the stairs," the kobold innkeeper says as he hands Sara and Said numbered trunk keys. "The trunks at the ends of the beds are numbered, just find the one that matches your key. If you need more space to store your stuff, I've got a strong room down here."

[Aethyc]

Sara heads up to her room, finding her trunk and putting away what she can. She strips her armor down to fully reduced and heads down to the common area, ordering a common meal. She sits down in a corner, watching the other occupants of the inn go about their business, watching for anything different going on.

(Sara has fully reduced armor, sword and shield with her)

[Reuban]

Siad follows Sara up to the rooms and heads off to the left. Finds his truck and stowes his saddlebags. He heads down and sees Sara and wonders over to her table. Orders a meal, and sits about watching the other patrons.

[Aethyc]

Speaking in the Human tongue, and trying to keep her conversation private, Sara asks Siad "So, have you heard anything about the troubles the manead has? Maybe some of the patrons here could give us some idea of what we are going up against. I would wager msot of the people here would spill their life story for a couple coins."

[Vaniver]

"We're looking for a job. We've been following the manead in the caravan ahead... supposedly they're offering something." Soltlak looks at the halflings. "Can you think of anything else?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

" No, we were trying to catch up to the Caravan and it seems we did. We have nothing to trade but I would like to get some supplies and arrows. Where can I find that? "

I hope not all these Kobolds are like the ones we encountered on the road. Be careful....don't say too much about that....

[Black Plauge]

"The maenad? He's gone on to the Probo Gufo, which is I imagine where you'll want to be staying too," the captian looking up at Soltlak. "Its the only place that'll be able to comfortable accomodate a lizardman. Or rather, the only decent place."

"On the other hand, I'd recomend the Cervo Ballante for you two," he continues, turning his attention to the halflings, "Unlike the Probo Gufo you can get private rooms at a decent rate there. Foods a bit better too."

"If you're not selling, then I just need to know your names and how long you intend to stay. Beyond that, your buisness is your own. I warn you, however, if you're caught selling within the town limits without permission, the tax penalties are severe."

***

The other patrons look strangely at Sara when she returns with her armor stripped down. The looks are more curiosity than anything, however, and they soon return to whatever it was they were doing before Sara came in.

Dinner turns out to be some kind of meat that's been spitted and roasted back in the kitchen. Neither Sara nor Said recognizes the taste, but if pressed they'd probably compare it to chicken, though its quite a bit tougher than that.

As they "study" the common room, it looks much like any other common room they would have expected to find in their homeland, except there wasn't another human to be seen. Instead the patrons are a mix of lizardfolk, hornless minotaurs, and large contingent of gnolls. In one corner a gnome, suprisingly enough, occupies a small platform singing in what Sara recognizes as his native tongue and accompanying himself on a strange stringed instrument that neither have seen before. His song, however, seems to be falling on mostly deaf ears, as none of the patrons seem to be paying that much attention.

In the other corner, a roar goes up at a table. Glancing over, the two humans can see one gnoll reaching into the center of the table and raking in a pot of coins as a couple others gather up the cards with serious frowns on their faces and dwindling piles of coin in front of them. It would seem that at least one of them was having good luck tonight.

All in all, the scene is much like one would expect, but their employer is no where to be found.

[Jop]

Skasa will avoid eye contact and wait for the others to respond before saying anything...

[Reuban]

In response to Sara's question, Siad glances around the room then turns back to her and says in human, "It is possible that someone here could tell us about Manead ancestors, but I wouldn't count on it. I have as little idea as you do, as to what we are in for. I'm hoping that we get some clarification soon. However, I'll see if I can get any information." (Gather info willing to use up to 5 gold to "grease" the wheels.)

[Vaniver]

"I'm Soltlak, and I don't know how long I'll be staying. Probably less than a hafta."

[Aethyc]

While Siad is asking the other patrons of the inn about the manead, Sara will head out to the town and window shop, looking for any signs of their employer or potential contracts after this job is finished.

[My Fellow Gamers]

" I am Manweh'mato and I hope to stay less then a hafta. "

[Jop]

Looking up, and not really sure of exactly what he's supposed to do, Skasa answers:
"Skasa"

[Black Plauge]

Writing down the names, the captian comments "Less than a hafta? I don't suppose you can be more specific than that? Though I suppose that if you're looking for the maenad that just arrived, then you'll be leaving when he plans on leaving. Tell you what, I'm going to put you down for leaving the gün after tomorrow for now, since thats when the maenad said he'd be leaving. If you don't end up leaving with him, then you'll need to come back and let me know what your plans are. Does that sound reasonable?

[My Fellow Gamers]

" Yes. We will do as you suggested. We will report back if we end up staying any longer. Thank you. "

[Black Plauge]

"Good then," the captian replies as he makes a couple more notes on his writing board. Glancing up, he notices the group making ready to leave, and quickly speaks up to stop them, "Hold on a sec. Just one more question. Anything unusual happen to you on the way here?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

" We had some trouble with a giant crocodile that attacked us....."

At least I am not lying about that...

[Black Plauge]

"The wildlife in the river delta can be problematic at times," the captian agrees, "Unfortunately there isn't much that we can do about that. I was asking more about any bandits that you might have encountered that would interfere with trade. But if the croc was the most notable event on the journey, then I guess you didn't encounter any. Thanks, and have a good stay in Bivio."

Making another note on his writing board, the kobold captian turns and heads into what is undoubtly the gate house, based on its location.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Manweh'mato signals for Skasa and Soltlak to follow him. Once they are out of hearing range from the guard, Manweh'mato talks again, translating when necessary.

" Well, here we are. We caught up with the caravan. I think we have a lot to do today before meeting with the Maenad. Soltlak needs healing, so do our mounts and even Wambli looks like he could use some rest. I could use a full night's rest myself. I also need rations and some arrows which might be hard to find. I do not think many kobolds use bows so I want to get some more after spending many in the fight yesterday. Also, I don't think we should be very visible and not talk about that fight here within these walls. No sense looking for trouble. Here is what I think we should do right now. Skasa, heal Soltlak as best you can right now and then look after our mounts at the Inn. We will take two rooms at the same Inn. One for Soltlak and one for us. I do not want to be in a kobold establishement tonight. Soltlak you take care of getting the rooms. I will go try to find some rations and arrows and we will all meet later and go see the Maenad together. Agreed? "

[Jop]

"Ok. I'll go with Soltak at the Inn and take care of the mounts. I'll wait for you at our room."

[Vaniver]

Soltlak nods. "Good plan." He starts to plow through the crowd, making a path for the shorter Skasa, heading towards what he hopes is the inn.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Manweh'mato goes off in a different direction trying to locate what seems to be supplies stores.

[Black Plauge]

For Soltlak and Skasa the way to the inn is easy, yet unknown. They are forced to stop and ask directions in order to find it, but once they do, it only takes them a couple more minutes to reach it. Once there they find ample stables outside for all three mounts. There are a couple of draft horses in the stables and a wagon in the yard, but either the Probo Gufo isn't extremly popular, or the bulk of its patronage arrives on foot. The groom, however, seems to know what he's doing, and offers to fetch a vet when he sees the condition of the mounts.

"Looks like you've pushed your animals pretty hard, and the horse is straining those recent wounds. I can fecth a vet if you want. She can have the animals fit for travel again in a couple of gün."

***

Manweh'mato, however, has a much easier time finding the market. Mainly because most everyone is streaming away from it. When he enters the square, the reason seems obvious, the shops are shutting down for the night. Hurridly looking for a fletcher, Manweh'mato passes by a human in an unusual plate armor that looks far lighter than normal. When he finally finds the fletcher's shop he's just in time to see a wirely kobold locking down the flap that covers the counter.

***

Wandering through the town, Sara finds herself in the market square, just in time to see the various shops closing down. Passing by a halfling, an unusual sight on this side of the ocean, Sara hears the distinctive ringing of a smithy's hammer on anvil down a side street. Nostalgic, she heads down it and stops to watch the smith as he takes a few more swings of the hammer before setting to bank the fire for the night. When the smith is done, Sara moves on, heading back to the square and looking around at the few people left milling about. As she walks about, one thing is clear, there are no maenads here, or at least, none besides her employer. A gnoll maybe, here or there, and lizardfolk or minotaur or two, but the poputation is obviously mostly made up of kobold in Bivio. From her experience that means plenty of caravan guarding jobs should she want one. Given the racial diversity, however, its doubtful that she'd find anyone who knows her employer, unless he's a regular buisness partner with one of the kobolds here.

***

Its amazing what a few gold will do to loosen togunes. Well, actually its the alcahol that the gold buys that does the work, but the effect is the same. It only takes an hour before Siad has a feel for the general news of the town. Apparently a group has been raiding caravans coming in from the Gnoll road, but the guard patrol sent out to deal with them, couldn't find them. The town's merchants are holding their breath, waiting for the next attack.

[Jop]

"No... that's OK. I can take care of them for now." Skasa replies.
As to not draw too much attention, as soon as he feels alone with the mounts, Skasa calls upon his god for some healing for their mounts.
- Cure Light on Meat
- Cure Light on Katonka
He'll then spend some time cleaning and bandaging the remaining wounds before heading to his room.

[Reuban]

After finding out this information Siad will procure a table at the inn, and wait for Sara to return. When she does so, he will impart the information he has learned about the raiders.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Unable to buy anything before the shops closed, Manweh'mato heads back for the Inn to join back with Soltlak and his brother. Once in the room, he takes off all of his gear and goes to the common room for a hot meal and a good drink, something local probably. He brings enough money to pay for the meal and a few drinks afterwards.

[Jop]

Skasa follows his brothers lead.

[Black Plauge]

"Suit yourself," the stable hand replies when Skasa refuses the services of the vet, before taking the reins of the animals to lead them into seperate stalls. Unsaddling each animal in turn, he hangs the saddles over a peg on the outside of each stall that seems made for the purpose, and hands the saddle bags to Skasa and Soltalk. When he sees Skasa staying around to tend to the animals, he hangs around the perifery, obviously curious at what Skasa is going to do. When he sees Skasa casting spells to remove the worst of Meat's and Katonka's injuries, he nods and goes about fetching feed for each of the animals. Turning to more mundane healing arts, Skasa checks each of the animals over. After a thurough examination he determines that for the most part, the animals are simply worn out. Carrying a rider while maintaining a hard pace is exhausting and each could use a solid day's rest. Meat's injuries are a little strained, but they haven't broken open again. Just to be sage, Skasa binds them up again, but he believes that Meat will be alright by the time they get on the road again (assuming the time line isn't hurried at all).

***

Not wanting to try to convince the fletcher to reopen his shop so that he can buy arrows tonight, Manweh'mato settles himself to making his purchases in the morning and heads for the inn. As happened earlier with his brother and Soltlak, he has to stop to ask directions, but once he does that, finding the inn is fairly easy and he arrives just as Skasa and Soltlak are coming out of the stables.

***

Once again a single group, the two halflings and the lizardman head inside to obtain rooms for the night. It turns out that two private rooms will cost 12 gp per night, but if they prefer, they can get three beds in the common bedroom for just 15 sp per night.

***

As she continues to wander the streets, it rapidly becomes apparent to Sara that the only buisnesses that remain open are the drinking and eating establishments. Bivio, it would seem, is not a place where much buisness is done after Io set, despite still being in the region where Pelor's perpetual twilight made it bright enough that outside one didn't need candles or lamps, as is evidenced by the occasional guard patrol that Sara encounters without any sort of light source.

Deciding that if the town was going to head inside for the night that she should too, Sara heads back to the Probo Gufo.

***

Satisfied with what he's learned about the town's happenings, Siad settles down to wait on Sara's return. He doesn't have too long to wait before Sara comes back in and, spotting him alone, heads over to his table and takes a seat.

[Aethyc]

Sara glances around the common room as she sits down, looking for what has changed in the room. She turns to Siad, saying in Human, "So, where you able to find out anything about the town? I couldn't find out anything about our employer; maybe he is staying out at one of the bars around here. Or, he could have gone to bed early. We certainly had a long day."

[Vaniver]

Soltlak looks at the halflings. "I don't care about where we sleep. But we should try to find the manead tonight, in case he decides to leave with the dawn." Soltlak grimaces. "I don't want to have to go hunting for him again."

[My Fellow Gamers]

Sitting down feels good after today's ride. The weight of all his gear gone, it is much easier for Manweh'mato to start relaxing and enjoying the company of his friends and the hopefully good meal he is about to get. The common room will have to do tonight for the food but Manweh'mato will pay the extra coins for a private room with his brother.

" You are right Soltlak, but first we eat and drink and then we find him. Today has been hard on all of us. "

[Black Plauge]

After paying the exorbitant price for two private rooms (not that either of the halflings, or Soltlak necessarily have enough experience with room prices to know that), Skasa, Manweh'mato, and Soltlak each settle into their rooms and head back to the common room for dinner. The night's special seems to be an unimaginative goat stew and the cook seems to have a fondness for pepper. Still, the concotion is edible and manages to fill the stomach. It also goes well with the local popular beverage, a fermented goat's milk flavored with honey.

After dinner, Soltlak asks around after the maenad had been chasing and are able to find out from the inn owner that he's sequestered himself in his room for the evening and asked not to be disturbed. The owner is kind enough, however, to point out two humans who are sitting at a table in one corner, one of whom Manweh'mato recognizes as the human female he passed on the way to the market. They're employees of the maenad they're looking for, so its doubtful that he'll be leaving before they do if they're worried about catching him.

***

Sitting in their corner discussing what each has found out, Siad notices that across the room the inn keeper is pointing to them as he talks to two halflings and a lizardman. When he mentions it to Sara, she looks over and recognizes one of the halflings as the one she had passed while out walking about.

[Reuban]

Seeing someone take an interest in them, immediatly makes siad suspisious. He slowly moves his hand toward his dagger, to be ready if the group approaches with hostile intent.

[Aethyc]

Sara slides her hand closer to the hilt of her sword and leans towards Siad while watching the lizard and halflings from the corner of her eye. She says in a low voice, "I see them too. Try to act normally until we find out what they want." After sliding back a little in her chair, Sara asks, "So, tell me more about the groups raiding caravans along the Gnoll road; do you think the guards would pay a bounty for stopping the brigands? If they aren't the ancestor trouble the Maenad has been talking about, and I somewhat doubt they are, this could be our next job. If the bandits are the ancestor trouble... well, I don't mind getting paid twice for the same job."

[Reuban]

Siad turns and smiles at sara, "That is a good idea. I'm not sure where the Maenad is taking us, but even if they are not his trouble, we may encounter them along the road. We should see if we can find some officials tommorrow and see what they say. Assuming of course the Maenad doesn't drag us off at dawn."

[My Fellow Gamers]

" Well, I am quite happy with this food and drink. Shall we go inquire about the Maenad to the humans he pointed us too? We might get more information from them then from the boss. From what the inkeep said, he does not seem the social type. Asking not to be disturbed and all......"

The drink makes Manweh'mato chattier then normal and the low level tension surroundings makes him in an even better mood. He gets up and waits for the others to follow him and heads straight for the humans.

[Aethyc]

"Yes, that would be a good idea..." Sara's voice dwindles away as she turns to watch the halfling approach their table. She gradually lets down her guard as she sees he comes alone.

[Jop]

Skasa is liking this little dring he was served, and decides to head back to order another one before joining the others...

[My Fellow Gamers]

Arriving at the normal sized table for humans, Manweh'mato feels a bit small but decides to use a bit of humor for his introduction.

" Hi, may I stand on a chair at your table and talk for a while? I have been told you are in the employement of a Maenad. "

[Reuban]

Siad eyes the halfling, grinning at his joke, "Feel free to pull up a chair, what is your interest in the manead's business?"

[Vaniver]

Soltlak sniffs the milk with disgust. Bah. He pushes his tankard, nearly large enough to hold a gallon, towards Skasa. He then looks up, noticing that Manweh has gone to talk to the other employees, and decides to listen to their conversation, moving to them with sinuous grace.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Taking the human's advice, Manweh'mato does pull his chair real close to the table.

" We simply want to help him with his mysterious troubles. You see, this here" pointing to Skasa at the bar " is my brother. Father recenlty passed away and it was one of his wishes that his sons would travel the world like he did before settling for life with our clan. We heard about this Maenad needing help back coming off the ship from our lands. We missed him by not much and I have been tracking you down ever since. We were much delayed when we almost lost one of our mounts to some attackers in the night. We have had a run of bad luck crossing water....but now we caught up and want to know more about his proposal for adventure. What can you tell us? Have you been with him long? "

[Jop]

Skasa will re-join the group and pull up a chair as well. He simply knods to both humans and listens to what is being said.

[Reuban]

Siad looks the halflings over, "Without confirmation from our employer I shouldn't tell you anything. He will be available tommorrow, then if he has truly hired you, we can all find out exactly what sort of trouble he is in. Until then I suggest we share stories and drink until it time to turn in."

[My Fellow Gamers]

" So you don't know either, interesting... I guess I will have to take your advice again. Do you know the story about the little halfling that could? "
jokingly adds Manweh'mato.

" I am neither a good storyteller or a heavy drinker but I find humans to usually have the most interesting stories. I am alive today because of two humans that saved me from certain death. I usually enjoy the company of your kin. "

[Aethyc]

Sara eyes the halfling and lizardman before asking, "Do your two friends understand us, or would it be better to converse in a more familiar language? Do they both know Halfling, or would Draconic be best? I know a few other languages as well, but probably not ones you are familiar with."

[Vaniver]

"I know Draconic," Soltlak says helpfully. He looks at the two humans, appraising them.

[My Fellow Gamers]

" I guess draconic would be best, if Skasa does not understand, I will explain in our mother tongue much quicker. "

[Aethyc]

Sara glances at the halfling she assumes to be Skasa before starting. "That works for me. I grew up the daughter of a blacksmith, and learned the trade before joining the army. After my enlistment was done I have traveled around, working as a mercenary; although its quite a bit more dangerous than working at a forge, the pay is a lot better. And now, I'm working for a Maenad, who you all seem to be after.

[My Fellow Gamers]

" I have not even seen one in my lifetime, what does he look like? "

[Reuban]

"He is of medium height. And has a more or less human look to him. His skin is a little yellow, and sparkles in the light. He's been in a poor mood lately, so he ussually looks unhappy."

[My Fellow Gamers]

" Probably because of his troubles. I guess we will find out soon, if he hires us as well....we'll see. BARKEEP! Another round of this beverage! "

Manweh'mato borrows some money from Skasa to pay for the drink having left all of his belongings locked in the room.

[Vaniver]

Soltlak sits silently, fairly uninterested in the others. If this is adventuring, he thinks thirstily, I shouldn't have left the swamp. He swishes his tail testily, wishing that the clanking noises and drunken patrons would just be quiet.

[Black Plauge]

After some more time spent chatting and enjoying the local beverages, the newly aquainted make there way to their respective accomodations for the night, the halflings and lizardman to a pair of private rooms, the two humans to their respective common bed rooms.

***

Morning comes with a noted brightening of the rooms as Io's risen face peeks through the closed shutters in a way that Pelor's twiglight can never manage in this part of the world. Coming awake the various temporary residents of the inn make their way downstairs for breakfast.

In the common room the scent of morning rolls and sweetened oatmeal greets the hungry and the sight of the maenad in one corner provides a sense of relief. He sits quietly, eating a bowl of oatmeal slowly, looking up at the ceiling, apparently deep in thought. He pays no attention even when his hirelings show their faces.

[Vaniver]

Soltlak hungrily takes a double portion, eyeing the food with mixed feelings, his hunger warring with his disappointment at the lack of meat. He sits near the maenad and begins tearing into his food, as only a lizardman can.

[Reuban]

Siad will come down to breakfast fully dressed and groomed for the day. He will take some oatmeal and sit at the Manead's table. He will quietly eat his food waiting to see if his boss has anything to say.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Manweh'mato wakes to a very dry mouth and a little queasy stomach. Drinking has never been his forte but he only rarely indulges anyways. He waits for everyone to be at breakfast including the two new human friends he made last night. He wants to go meet the Maenad with Siad and Sara at their sides.

[Aethyc]

Sara comes down to common area and takes a large portion, bringing it over to Siad where she eats in silence, watching the halflings and lizardman eat their breakfast.

[Jop]

Skasa has a hard time getting out of bet suffering from the effects of last nights overindulgence...
Even once he makes his way down, after everyone else, he looks like he slept in tree...
The smell of all the food gets to him and he finds himself obliged to refrain from eating with the others. He sits quietly with the others, his head in his hands...

[My Fellow Gamers]

After Manweh'mato is done eating, he looks first at Soltlak tearing trough his food with the grace of an eight ton elephant, and next at Skasa, eyes on the table in front of him, barely able to keep a semblance of life.

Guess I will have to do the talking if we are to get any chance to be hired. I am not even good at this....oh well, I havent traveled that far in strange lands to not ask at all.....

His decision made, Manweh'mato gets up from his seat rather quickly and walks over to the table and gets the Maenad's attention before speaking.

Oh! forgot to ask what he speaks....

Crossing his fingers behind his back Manweh'mato begins in the human tongue :" Hello Sir, I have heard that you are in need of willings souls to help you with a problem of a personal nature. I am here to offer you the services of three such individuals. Soltlak, a strong, agressive mean looking fighting lizardfolk. Skasa, my halfling brother, very in touch with Obad-Hai ans its powers and finally myself, Manweh'mato, a wilderness guide, tracker and hunter. We just missed you when you left town a while back and we have been unable to catch up before today because of an injured horse."

After having said all that, he pauses to see if the Maenad even understood what he was saying to him.

[Black Plauge]

If the maenad understands Human, he makes no indication that he does and continues to stare at the same spot on the ceiling as if it was the most engrossing thing in the world.

Truth be told, however, neither Sara nor Siad have ever heard their employer speak Human. Indeed, they've only ever communicated with him in Draconic, so it may simply be that he doesn't realize that he's been addressed.

[My Fellow Gamers]

Turning back to the table, Manweh'mato learns from the humans that the Maenad used draconic to communicate with them. He mutters that he should have asked before instead of acting like a fool. He goes back to the table, knocks on the table with his knuckles and repeats his speech in draconic: "Hello Sir, I have heard that you are in need of willings souls to help you with a problem of a personal nature. I am here to offer you the services of three such individuals. Soltlak, a strong, agressive mean looking fighting lizardfolk. Skasa, my halfling brother, very in touch with Obad-Hai ans its powers and finally myself, Manweh'mato, a wilderness guide, tracker and hunter. We just missed you when you left town a while back and we have been unable to catch up before today because of an injured horse."

He patiently awaits the reply......

[Black Plauge]

Whether or not the repeated speech would have gotten the maenad's attention, the rap on the table certianly does and a look of annoyance crosses his face. As what Manweh'mato is saying registers, however, the look is quickly replaced by one of relief.

"You're interested in working for me? Excellent! I was thinking that I'd have to make another recruiting trip after returning home with Sara and Siad, but maybe I won't have to."

"Oh, where are my manners? You have introduced yourselves, its only proper that I do the same. I am Xue, first son and heir to the Lei clan. The problems are not mine, exactly, but my clans. I'm afraid, however, that I am not at liberty to discuss the exact nature of the problems with outsiders. Are you willing to work under such circumstances until we reach my homeland and my uncle can fully explain things to you?"

[My Fellow Gamers]

" Please allow me an instant to talk it over with Soltlak and Skasa. Skasa's use of draconic is very limited and he should know fully what we are getting into. I will be back very shortly."

Manweh'mato goes back to the table and repeats from memory most of the conversation he just had for Soltlak and Skasa.

[Reuban]

Siad sits and watches the exchange, laughing slightly to himself as Manweh'mato tries to address the Manead in the Human tongue. Speaking to the manead he says, "I hope they agree to join us, they seem rather competent and would be of some help. How long will it take before we arrive in your lands Xue?"

[Black Plauge]

"That depends largely on the circumstances of our travel. On my way to Kikötõ I travelled exclusivly by land to maximize my chances that I would find people who were willing to take on the job. When it was only you and Sara, it was my intention to retrace my path to try and find additional help. If these three decide to join us, however, we need not follow my land route all the way back, but can instead find a ship in a port along the way and sail most of the way. Of course, if luck is against us, finding a ship could prove to take longer than walking. Then again, we could always go back to Kikötõ where we'd be practically guaranteed to find a ship, but then all the lodging arrangements I made along the way would go to waste..."

Trailing off, the maenad resumes his pensive look, obviously considering the options he's outlined and not realizing that he didn't really answer the question that Siad asked.

[Reuban]

Siad sighs and resigns himself to again waiting while his employer makes a decision....

[Jop]

"Sure Brother, it sounds interesting..."

[Aethyc]

Sara suppresses a smile when she hears the Manaed's train of thought. She remarks to Siad, "I got a lot of that in the army too. Best to just wait until they make up their minds and go with it. I knew some officers that could spin circles round themselves for hours."

[Reuban]

Siad smiles a grim smile in Sara's direction. "Oh, I understand, my father was often the same way. Thats probably why I dislike indisisiveness so much. Oh well nothing to do but wait for a decision."

[My Fellow Gamers]

Even not knowing what they really get into, the brothers are up for some adventures. That is why they left their village after all.

" Well, you can count on two more employees and I am a better scout on land than on water if that makes any difference in your decision. Skasa and I will help you with your troubles. "

I kind of like this strange almost human looking fellow.....

[Black Plauge]

Coming out of his thoughts again the maenad replies, "Good. I'll pay for the general expenses of the trip to my homeland. Once there my uncle will be able to fill you in on the details and negotiate the rest of your compensation."

Retreating into his thoughts once again, the maenad starts mubling to himself, apparently trying to work out the exact sum of money that he left at various points along his trip to Kikötõ.

After a few minutes of this he stands and announces to all his employees, "I must consult with my uncle on this matter, as its obvious that some one will have to be sent to retrieve the funds I left along the way if we decide not to return by that route."

[Black Plauge]

Leaving his employees to their own devices, the maenad disappears back upstairs to his room to consult with his uncle by unknown means.

Come lunchtime, the maenad reappears in the common room and gathers his employees around a single table.

"I have consulted with my uncle and things have grown worse than they were when I left. He can spare no men to recover the funds I left for my return, so we will have to make our way by land, but we will have to make haste, so we will no longer be travelling with the trade caravans. As a result, I must make arrangements to trade my wagon this afternoon for mounts. I know Siad already has his own animal and that Sara lacks one, what about you other three?"

After Manweh'mato informs him that he, Skasa, and Soltlak already have mounts, the maenad contineues, "Good. Then I will procure mounts for my self and Sara this afternoon. See that you are all ready to depart tomorrow at first light. Now if you will excuse me, it needs that I must see the captian of the guard necessary to obtain the permits for trading."

Obviously rushing the last bit, the maenad's draconic grammer breaks down a bit as he gets up to leave.